Freddie — England's most beloved cricketer of the modern era, whose 2005 Ashes performance was the finest all-round series by an England player since Botham in 1981.
Andrew Flintoff — known universally as Freddie — was born in Preston, Lancashire in 1977 and became England's most celebrated all-rounder of his generation, a player of enormous physical presence, fast bowling capability and attacking batting power who embodied England's 2005 Ashes revival. His Test record: 3,845 runs at 31.77 with 5 centuries, and 226 wickets at 32.78 across 79 matches. He played for Lancashire throughout his domestic career. His finest series came in the 2005 Ashes — his 402 runs and 24 wickets were the decisive all-round contribution in England's first Ashes victory since 1987. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2004 and 2006 and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2005. He won the Ashes again in 2009 before persistent ankle injuries effectively ended his Test career. He also took 168 ODI wickets in 141 matches. He represented Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. After retirement he became a television presenter — most notably on Top Gear — before a remarkable return to competitive cricket as a professional boxer in 2023, fighting for the first time in 15 years as a 45-year-old. He was awarded the OBE in 2006.
Ashes winner 2005, 2009 (England)
His consolation of a distraught Brett Lee after England's 2-run Edgbaston victory — arm around the opposition while celebrating his own team's win — became one of cricket's most celebrated images.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Ashes winner 2005, 2009 (England)
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 (England – squad)
- Wisden Cricketer of Year 2004, 2006
- BBC Sports Personality of Year 2005
- OBE 2006
- England Player of Year 2004, 2005, 2006